Published online Sep 27, 2020. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i9.533
Peer-review started: July 8, 2020
First decision: July 30, 2020
Revised: August 3, 2020
Accepted: August 15, 2020
Article in press: August 15, 2020
Published online: September 27, 2020
Processing time: 75 Days and 13.4 Hours
Core Tip: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for the development and progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) of various etiologies. Concurrent diabetes and CLD predict worse clinical outcomes, including hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and complications following liver transplantation. Traditional glycemic markers, including fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, and hemoglobin A1c, are not accurate in patients with severe CLD. Metformin and α-glucosidase inhibitors are associated with significant benefits beyond glycemic control, including reductions in HCC risk and incidence of hepatic encephalopathy. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors may exert a hepatic protective effect irrespective of the degree of glycemic control.